Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris

Genre:  Fiction

Published by:  Little,Brown and Company

Pages:  Hard Cover

Rating:  8 JAGS

Zoe Ferraris’s Kingdom of Strangers is a gripping story of murder and mystery in a world of religious segregation and virtue in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. Local Police Inspector Ibrahim Zahrani is called to investigate a mass grave of women who were butchered by a serial killer that is targeting foreigners who work for the wealthy Saudi citizens.

 Ibrahim himself is guilty of committing acts of adultery that are punishable by death, and has realized that the recent disappearance of his mistress might possibly drag him further into the serial killers web.  The only person he can turn to for help is Katya, a lab technician, who happens to be a woman. Katya must navigate the fine line of disobedience and compliance while working between both investigations in order to stop a killer and help one of the few men who doesn’t practice the religious fervor of Shiria law, which is predominate in Middle Eastern culture. 

Kingdom of Strangers is an excellent read. This story is a compelling page turner that allows you to peek into a culture where women are considered subservient, and honor and Allah are the true currency.   I highly recommend this book. A good read and true definition of a great story.

A definite purchase new.  

Where have all the leaders gone? By Lee Iacocca/Catherine Whitney

“Where have all the leaders gone?” should be a must read before the all citizens of the United States head to the election booth in the coming year.  A candid look at the current state of our nation from one of America’s revolutionary CEO’s of the auto industry, Lee Iacocca draws from years of experience spanning many living Presidents. Lee Iacocca touches on subjects ranging from The Patriot Act, Democracy in the Middle East and the declining manufacturing in the US.

Originally dated before the 2008 election, the points made in this book are still valid today and should be addressed in the coming 2012 GOP primary and eventually the Presidential race. Iacocca delivers a simple and interesting approach at getting America back to work and on top as the world’s leading producer.  

“Where have all the leaders gone?” reminds us the limitless potential of the American spirit and how its own greatness will help right the course for the working class to reconnect with the American Dream.  The questions Lee Iacocca purposes offer simple ways to question our leaders about the decisions they are making and if it is what is right by the American people.

8 JAGS